2-At-a-Time Socks: The Secret of Knitting Two at Once on One Circular Needle

Great Instructions to Learn 2-at-a-Time Socks

I suffer from second sock syndrome and had looked at this book a few times at the store. When my son kept stealing my favorite hand knit socks I decided it was time to pick up this book so I could get him an entire pair of socks knitted so I could receive mine back! The instructions are good. There were times I did have reread them out loud a few more times to make sure I was understanding the concept. The pictures are great. I would recommend doing the practice pair of socks in two different color yarns as recommended. I did this and now have 2 pair of toddler size socks for a gift and learned the concept as well. I actually used the 2-at-a-time on another project to knit a couple of animal legs and arms and got a head start of that knitting project. It is definitely useful for more than just socks. There are a lot of great sock patterns in the book for once you have mastered 2-at-a-time. I have several tabbed for my next couple projects. Another great feature is that the book is spiral bound so it lays flat next to you while you are reading and knitting. No need to take you hands off of your knitting to hold a page down! I did find a couple comments on the internet about errata in the book but I checked out the author's internet page and found that my book must have been a newer print since almost all of the errors were corrected. Overall ... A great book to have in a knitters library if you are a regular sock knitter or not. I am glad I bought it and I have a feeling a few of my friends will be borrowing it ... but they will go get their own copy afterwards, I am sure! :)

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

At Last I Can Knit Socks

For many years, I had to sit on the sidelines and watch as the sock craze passed me by. Knitting friends showed off their latest creations, and I eyed the myriad sock yarns, envious of those who could turn the hanks and skeins into wonderfully handknitted socks. The reason for my dilemma? Double-pointed needles--DPNs. Oh I Googled and Yahooed to find 2-needle patterns, but it wasn't the same thing. Then along came Magic Loop, and I was off and running. But there was a new problem. Though everyone said that ordinary patterns could be easily adapted to the ML technique, for those of us new to sock knitting, it was a daunting task. And there were very few ML patterns available. Thank goodness for 2-at-a-Time Socks! Now we MLers have a technique book chockablock with patterns. And unlike some sock pattern books I've seen lately, these are socks we'll actually wear. Techniques are easily explained, and those who choose to still knit one sock at a time can also use the book. Photos clearly show the steps to be taken and are actually large enough to be seen. Like most pattern books, there are errata. But in this day of the internet, the knitting community Ravelry comes to the rescue. There is a forum for the book, and Melissa is available to post corrections and answer questions. The only drawback to this book is its lack of toe-up patterns. Let's hope that Melissa writes another book for those of us who choose to start with our toes.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

a necessary add to an intermediate knitters library

Once you can knit a sock on dp needles you need to add this method. It goes hand in hand with learning to knit "the magic loop" method. Magic Loop pretty much eliminates double point knitting needles from what I know. I just learned how to use the magic loop. I see you tube videos that show long tail cast on for magic loop and I do not agree. Two yarn tails and all that extra wire or tube is very confusing. If you can see the method than you can save yourself work and the knitting is more secure for travel or setting down frequently. Second sock syndrome never was an issue for me but making two socks identical a little daunting if you don't start the second sock immediately. I would knit two socks at a time on two sets of double points... I have not started a pair of socks on One Cingular yet.. that's what this book is all about since I already know the magic loop method. Having this book on the Nook and my Nook for PC allows me anytime access to my book. When on vacation, visiting the grandkids or at home... I need my knitting patterns etc. Carry your Nook and needles, buy yarn anywhere you are.. and you are knitting.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Disappointing

Although the technique is neat (albeit difficult at first) I was very disappointed that the patterns for everything pictured are not provided. I even contacted the publisher for the pattern for the socks on the cover and received incorrect information. I cannot recommend this book. It is not worth the frustration.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Get It? Got It! Good!

Those who have been knitting longer than I would probably be able to 'dig their needles' into this book right away with great relish. However, I needed the Magic Loop book written by Bev Galeskas for more foundation training in circular knitting. But after that, I was off and running with Melissa's book. Now, the '2-at-a Time Socks' book has become one of my most important resources for knitting. The patterns are diverse but not difficult, cute but not confusing. The method in which the patterns have been formatted make it very readable and simple to follow. Plus, there is enough blank space available to write personal notations. A very valuable addition to the book is the resource list on the last pages.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent technique, beginners may need more reference.

I am proud to say I recently completed my first pair of socks - ever! - with this book. However, as a self-taught knitter, I have to say that this was not the easiest book to learn from considering it was my first project more complex than a hat. Beginners may want to make sure they have an alternate reference on hand to look up stitches. (I had no idea what ssk was going in). There is a small glossary in the back, but it used a different knitting style that I was used to.
The technique is wonderful though, and very easy to pick up! Once I was up to speed with the abbreviations it was smooth sailing. Directions were very easy to follow.
Also, 2-at-a-time is great for knitters who aren't constantly knitting. I started this pair of socks in January, and every time I set it down both socks were secure and in the same place, making it easy for me to pick up where I left off. And they match! It may have taken me until April to finish the project, but the socks look like I made them in one sitting.

Eliminates second sock syndrom

I love this book!! It has a complete how to knit a swatch that's totally visual so it makes everything extremely easy and the patterns are absolutuly amazing.

Two at a time socks

Every pattern in the first edition has corrections. The illustrations are okay but not for a newbie. I think it was poorly written and have gotten better information for free from blogs and Ravelry.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Confusing at first, but don't give up.

I've only knit one-pair of socks so far. So, I'm a very beginner. This book will help me do more on just one needle. Written well, but a little tough for me to understand without a demonstration right now.

I'm a convert!

I wanted to try this technique and now I'm a complete convert. It is great to have both socks finished at the same time and it is much more pleasant to work circulars.
The book shows, at the start, how to master the technique. This was very helpful. Photos were clear and there was enough detail. Key to success? Remembering which is Sock A and Sock B when you start a project (this is made easier in the instructions b/c she uses two difference color yarns).
I knit one of her patterns first and now have no trouble converting other patterns to the same technique.
I highly recommend this.

You know how excited you get when you have one sock done, but then realize you have to make another.

This book is the answer to that dilemma. Why not make both socks at the same time? The technique should work for mittens as well. Whatever you do, don't try to comprehend why it works before trying the technique. Just knit it!

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